Stevens Point woman surprised by local First Responders on her 99th birthday

By Brandi Makuski

STEVENS POINT — When her grandson, Ben, asked her to have a seat outside of her home on a sunny but windy April 26, Evelyn Gaboda had no idea what to expect.

Evelyn Gaboda turned 99 that day and was celebrating at home with her family and a few close friends. Gaboda’s family owns Johnson Towing in Stevens Point, so fellow tow operators drove up from Milwaukee to join in the celebration.

She smiled and laughed to see a surprise parade of fire, EMS, and law enforcement vehicles drive by the home, flashing lights and sounding sirens. From each vehicle, a Hershey’s chocolate bar—with almonds—was tossed in her direction.

“Hey, look; your favorite candy bar,” Ben Gaboda called out.

Betty Parnham explained that tow operators are often close to first responder groups due to the frequency of their interaction. Tow operators are called to the scene anytime a vehicle needs to be towed, meaning Parnham, Gaboda and company regularly work with members of local police and fire/EMS departments.

When asked for her reaction to the parade, Evelyn Gaboda responded with a smile, “It was great. What a nice surprise.”

Area police and fire chiefs approved several “drive-by” parades during the COVID-19 quarantine for birthdays or other special events throughout 2020, but say future events would be approved on a limited, case-by-case basis based on staffing and availability.